“The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but He loves him who follows righteousness…He who follows righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor” (Proverbs 15:9; 21:21).
The Scriptures use several graphic ways to describe the intensity and focus you need to have in your desire to say, do, and be right. Jesus likened it to the physical body’s innate and powerful needs of hunger and thirst (Mat. 5:6). He also commanded for it to be sought as your life’s highest priority (Mat. 6:33).
In these two proverbs, Solomon declares that righteousness ought to be followed or pursued. In the Greek language the word dioko is used to communicate the tireless and relentless pursuit of a rabid enemy. When used in this way, it is often translated “persecute”. Dioko is also used to communicate the tireless and relentless pursuit of righteousness. It is commanded in 1st Timothy 6:11 and 2nd Timothy 2:22.
To please God, you need to have the same focus, intensity, and tenacity of purpose in pursuing righteousness as Saul of Tarsus had while he was persecuting Christians and making havoc of the church. He who pursues righteousness and mercy with this intensity is bountifully blessed by God.
John, thanks for sharing this. Psalm 119:172 “My tongue shall speak Your word. For all Your commandments are righteousness.”